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Monday, October 13, 2014

It was a long time coming for Lamborghini to introduce the smaller version of their famed supercar, so after being owned by VW/Porsche/Audi and the introduction of the Murcielago, the Gallardo was introduced. Now after a successful 10 year run a new version is introduced, the Huracan, sharing the same styling elements like its big brother the Aventador.

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A smaller Lamborghini
The Gallardo was introduced in 2004 as a smaller alternative to the Murcielago. It shared most of the styling elements with the Murcielago, but in a smaller shell. The styling, in my opinion, was too blocky and rather cheap looking. That was resolved in 2008 as the LP560-4, using styling updates also seen on the Murcielago, also based on the million-dollar Reventon. This included smaller headlights with LED Y-shaped running lights, smaller taillights with tri-y-shaped LED taillights. The was more impressive to me and has a premium look to it. The interior has a driver-oriented dash just like the Murcielago, but with more use of switchgear from the Audi line, oh and the doors open normally instead of the Murcielago's scissors design. The Gallardo uses a 4-wheel multi-link suspension with all-wheel drive hooked up to the 5.2L V-10 making 560 hp. and 398 Ib-ft. of torque through a six-speed manual or a 6-speed automated manual. In 2010 the Superleggera was introduced with use of carbon-fiber throughout the car, including the front bumper, rear wing, and engine cover. The V-10 was boosted to 570 hp. and combined with the lighter curb weight was the fastest Lamborghini road car at the time.

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In 2014 the Huracan was introduced with the same small look, but now sharing Aventador styling with larger headlights with dual V-shaped running lights, side scoops that has a passing resemblance to the Murcielago, to the rear with narrow-slot taillights and those larger quad exhaust tips. The interior has a more simpler affair with central stack not angled toward the driver anymore, digital gauges, deep-dish 3-spoke wheels, and supportive seats. The doors still open in a normal fashion. The 5.2L V-10 and all-wheel drive carry-over, now making 602 hp. and 413 Ib-ft. of torque through a seven=speed automated manual (no more three-pedal manual option).

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Category 5 Huracan
Now with Hot Wheels planning one in 2015, why didn't I wait to profile that one with the Gallardo's? Well this Maisto one is out right now, and this by far has to be one of the best Fresh Metal 1:64 model ever made by them, and that's not saying much since there's no interior and the wheels are cheap-looking, though the 5-spoke design works well with this casting. If you want more details and functions, Maisto also sells one in 1:24 and their parent company, Bburago, sells one in 1:18 as well. The front has the detailed large scoops, headlights that I wish had the detailed LED V's, and the bull badge, though the trunk line around logo looks like an eye-sore on the actual car. The sides show off the side scoops and the LP610-4 badge above the lower scoop, and check out the detail of the mirrors molded into the doors! The front windshield has integrated wipers, while the rear has the proper vents, but the lower vent (which is part of the metal body) seems like a misfit. Out back you get the detailed taillights, LAMBORGHINI in the middle, and those large exhaust though some silver on the tips would help it to stand out. Note that the exhaust and bumper trim is part of the metal body, while the lower section of the bumper is part of the smooth base with the detailed sections. For roughly the same price (or lower) than a Hot Wheels car, this is a very impressive casting!

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Waiting in the wings
As the successor approaches, it's time to look back at the Gallardo's from Hot Wheels before the Huracan arrives in the Mattel line. The first one was introduced in 2009 as part of a new routine to release five new castings, based on European cars, in other markets before the U.S. This design worked for two years, though the 2010 ones were released much sooner to the U.S. than the 2009 versions. The Gallardo was one of the first. Decked out in flat black with detailed headlights, taillights, and badging, along with lace wheels, it was an impressive casting! The front inner scoops are part of the base, while the rear bumper has the detailed quad exhaust. The interior is nicely-done with the proper dash layout, seats, and console. If you look at the back window you can see the detailed 5.2L V10 in all its glory. Later in 2009 it was released in white, then released in the Speed Machines line in 2010. After that it strangely disappeared.

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In 2011 the Superleggera was introduced in bright green (later yellow) colors with a front lower bumper now part of the base, added ground clearance, a rear wing that is also part of the larger engine cover, and a black stripe on the sides. Gray PR-5 wheels also enhance the sporty look of the Superleggera. The base is carried-over aside from the addition of a few more venturi fins at the bottom of the rear bumper. The interior and engine details also carry-over. The Superleggera was used a few more times than the standard Gallardo, but now recently has been M.I.A.

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I hope these two Gallardo's come back in 2015 because if the Maisto version is any indication the new Huracan will be one impressive casting!

About Me

Hi, my name is Joseph Schuman, author and creator of Two Lane Desktop. In this blog you will find pictures and helpful insight on each realistic diecast model car, with comparisons to the real vehicle and also against competitor manufactures. Go ahead, read on and enjoy!